Thanksgiving Weekend safe driving tips from CAA

Many Saskatchewan families are planning for the upcoming Thanksgiving long weekend. With the recent snow and slush in some part of Saskatchewan, it’s important to consider some safety practices before heading out for that annual family road trip. Examine your vehicle to make sure it’s road ready. Check the mechanical features and tires. Seat belts must be in working condition and used by all passengers, including the driver. Children’s car seats and booster seats should be correctly installed. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination and return home as there will be increased traffic on our highways.

Take along a roadside assistance kit, available at CAA Stores. Pack a flashlight, booster cables, tire puncture sealant, first-aid kit, flares, drinking water, nonperishable food, and a mobile phone with batteries and charger for emergency calls or for CAA Roadside Assistance. Gas prices change quickly. Visit caa. ca/gas-prices for the lowest gas prices and download the CAA App for easy reference.

Once you’re behind the wheel, remember to put that mobile phone away. Do all your mobile phone or navigation system planning prior to driving or ask one of the passengers to be your communications buddy. Let’s eliminate all forms of distracted driving, including use of mobile phones, eating and drinking, smoking, or grooming. If you need to check your phone or assist passengers in the vehicle, pull over or park when safe to do so. Remember to slow to 60 km/h when passing tow truck operators and emergency personnel assisting motorists on Saskatchewan highways. When you see flashing lights, slow down. It’s a matter of life and death. Please remember, don’t drive impaired.

Additional driving tips and information are available at caask.ca/safety.